08/04/2026
McAleer Welcomes Curraghinalt Goldmine Public Inquiry After 15-Month Pause
West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has welcomed the restart of the Curraghinalt Goldmine Public Inquiry next week, saying it will give local people an important platform to make their views heard.
The inquiry is set to reconvene in Omagh next Monday following a 15-month adjournment.
Mr McAleer said: "Over recent years there has been strong and sustained community opposition to the planning application by gold-mining company Dalradian Gold to construct a goldmine and processing plant in the Sperrin Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"More than 50,000 objections have already been submitted, reflecting the very real concerns within local communities about the potential environmental and social impact of this proposal.
"There was significant disappointment and frustration when the Public Inquiry was adjourned in January 2025 after just three days. As it reconvenes next week, it is important that the process now proceeds without any further delay and is brought to a timely conclusion.
"Sinn Féin has made a detailed submission to the Inquiry outlining our opposition to the planning application, and our representatives will continue to engage actively with the process in the months ahead."
The inquiry is set to reconvene in Omagh next Monday following a 15-month adjournment.
Mr McAleer said: "Over recent years there has been strong and sustained community opposition to the planning application by gold-mining company Dalradian Gold to construct a goldmine and processing plant in the Sperrin Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"There was significant disappointment and frustration when the Public Inquiry was adjourned in January 2025 after just three days. As it reconvenes next week, it is important that the process now proceeds without any further delay and is brought to a timely conclusion.
"Sinn Féin has made a detailed submission to the Inquiry outlining our opposition to the planning application, and our representatives will continue to engage actively with the process in the months ahead."
Latest Northern Ireland News
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Alliance MLA Calls for Publication of Clerical Abuse Research
Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has joined victims and survivors in demanding the immediate publication of publicly funded research into the clerical abuse of children. Her comments follow recent revelations regarding a "culture of indifference" toward safeguarding at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in North Belfast.
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Health Minister Commends Frontline Teams at Craigavon Area Hospital
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Lough Erne Resort Named Best-Rated UK Hotel by Which? Travel
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Arrest Following Knife Report in Limavady Forest Park
Police in Limavady have arrested a man following reports of an individual armed with a knife in a local forest park on Wednesday, 8 April. The incident occurred at approximately 6:50pm. It was reported that a man carrying a knife jumped out at two males who were cycling through the Roe Mill Road area.
Arrest Following Knife Report in Limavady Forest Park
Police in Limavady have arrested a man following reports of an individual armed with a knife in a local forest park on Wednesday, 8 April. The incident occurred at approximately 6:50pm. It was reported that a man carrying a knife jumped out at two males who were cycling through the Roe Mill Road area.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.